Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Job Description

Introduction

You are a motivated technician in the field of electronics, with experience in solid state and/or tube amplifiers? Do you relish a challenge? Join CERN’s Radio Frequency Group, to work on the amplifiers, which power CERN’s linear accelerators (Linacs). Take part!

Become part of a multinational team of experts who design, test, commission and maintain the Radio Frequency (RF) amplifiers, that provide the power for the acceleration of particles. The Linacs and Injector Synchrotrons Section (LIS) is responsible for the RF systems of all proton and ion linear accelerators and the injector synchrotrons in the Proton Synchrotron (PS) Complex at CERN, including the injectors for LHC, the largest particle accelerator on earth. We offer extensive on the job training and the opportunity to work on unique technical systems, providing hundreds of kilowatts of peak power in the frequency range of one to a few 100 MHz.

You will join:

• The Systems Department (SY), which is responsible not only for the operation of all of CERN’s accelerators, but also for a number of the specialised technologies and disciplines required for design, construction and operation of particle accelerators.
• The Radio Frequency (RF) Group, in the SY Department, which is responsible for the RF technology and the operation of the RF acceleration and damping systems in all the CERN accelerators. A significant part of the RF group’s activity is dedicated to accelerator upgrades and new projects.                  
• The Linacs and Injector Synchrotrons Section (LIS), in the RF group, which is responsible for the operation, maintenance, consolidation and upgrade of Linac and Injector Synchrotron RF power systems and accelerating cavities for the proton (Linac4, PSB, PS) and ion (Linac3, LEIR, PS) injector chains and experimental accelerators (REX-ISOLDE, AD).

Functions

As electronics technician in the LIS Section, you will be a member of the team responsible for testing, commissioning, operation and maintenance of high-power Radio Frequency amplifiers (based on tube and solid-state technology) and accelerating cavities. 

You will:

• Contribute to the design, construction, and maintenance of electronic and electro-mechanical equipment and participate in their assembly and testing;
• Assist in the consolidation of the RF systems, which involves design, development, operation, and upgrades to the existing RF systems;
• Participate in fault-finding and corrective interventions. Take responsibility progressively for validation tests of new amplifier components and for the testing and maintenance of existing components;
• Take part in organising the work of on-site subcontractors when needed;
• Prepare documentation for the operation, maintenance, test, repair and upgrade of systems;
• Make sure that all necessary safety measures are taken on work sites.

Qualifications

Higher technical diploma or equivalent relevant experience in the field of electronics or a related field.

Experience:

Required experience:

• Experience in systematic fault finding and repairing electronic systems down to board (PCB) level;
• Initial experience operating and maintaining RF power systems.

Desired experience:

• Radio-frequency technology or microwave technology;
• Broadcast or radar systems;
• Tube and solid-state amplifiers;
• Pulsed high-voltage equipment (1 - 100 kV);
• Power transistor technology.

Technical competencies:

• Operation and maintenance of power electronic components and systems;
• Testing and measurement of analog electronic circuits.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Working in teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Communicating effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented; providing others with timely information.
• Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them.
• Demonstrating flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements; being willing to work on different projects simultaneously.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in routine situations.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than midnight CEST on June 19, 2024.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

These functions require:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in radiation areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.

Job grade: 3-4

Job reference: SY-RF-LIS-2024-74-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electronics Technician